Abstract
ObjectivesAcceptance of childhood vaccination varies between societies, affecting worldwide vaccination coverage. Low coverage rates are common in indigenous populations where parents often choose not to vaccinate their children. We aimed to gain insight into reasons for vaccine acceptance or rejection among Warao Amerindians in Venezuela.MethodsBased on records of vaccine acceptance or refusal, in-depth interviews with 20 vaccine-accepting and 11 vaccine-declining caregivers were performed. Parents’ attitudes were explored using a qualitative approach.ResultsAlthough Warao caregivers were generally in favor of vaccination, fear of side effects and the idea that young and sick children are too vulnerable to be vaccinated negatively affected vaccine acceptance. The importance assigned to side effects was related to the perception that these resembled symptoms/diseases of another origin and could thus harm the child. Religious beliefs or traditional healers did not influence the decision-making process.ConclusionsParental vaccine acceptance requires educational programs on the preventive nature of vaccines in relation to local beliefs about health and disease. Attention needs to be directed at population-specific concerns, including explanation on the nature of and therapeutic options for side effects.
Highlights
Immunization is a proven tool for prevention of some of the most deadly childhood diseases
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Dugas et al described a major role of the empirical concept of childhood disease in low vaccination coverage rates among ethnic groups in Burkina Faso, Africa [16]
Summary
Immunization is a proven tool for prevention of some of the most deadly childhood diseases. Vaccines are underutilized, especially in developing countries. Around 1.5 million children die each year from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases [1]. Suboptimal vaccine coverage rates are often observed in ethnic minorities [2,3,4,5]. The dynamics of vaccine uptake are complicated and depend on both social factors and cultural perceptions. This includes perceptions of vaccinations and diseases, and perceptions of vulnerability and protection and the role of medicines in producing and maintaining health [6]. Qualitative and quantitative studies addressing concerns about vaccination often fail to provide recommendations for interventions [7]
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